Braised Southern Turnip Greens Recipe

If you’re looking for a classic Southern turnip greens recipe with a modern twist, look no further than this dish. In this guide on how to make southern turnip greens, we will explore a recipe that uses pomegranate molasses to add depth of flavor without sacrificing any authenticity. The end result is a delicious side dish that your whole family will love. So why not give it a try today? You won’t be disappointed.

In the soulful rhythm of Southern kitchens, where the aromatic dance of heritage and flavor takes center stage, I invite you to embark on a culinary journey as enriching as Stevie Wonder’s timeless melodies.

Picture this: a pot simmering with the heartwarming embrace of turnip greens, seasoned with the soulful essence of salt pork. Much like Stevie’s music, this Southern turnip greens recipe captures the essence of tradition, infusing every bite with a symphony of deep-rooted flavors.

Most turnip greens recipes focus on only the actual greens. I bought the actual whole turnip roots with their green tops and cook them both in a braise.

The braise is what brings all da funk! It included meaty salt pork and pomegranate molasses which is my secret flavor ingredient.

Your kitchen will be buzzing with activity as you cook these greens. The aromas of garlic, onion, and spices will be in the air, making everyone’s mouths water in anticipation.

Turnip greens may not sound like an exciting dish, and I’m sure turnip roots don’t sound sexy, but this recipe was given a facelift by adding pomegranate molasses and spices. The result is a flavorful and aromatic dish that everyone especially greens lovers will love. Transform something mundane into something truly special by making this recipe.

What Are Turnips

Turnips are a root vegetable that belong to the brassica family, which also includes cabbage, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli. They have a white or cream-colored flesh with a slightly bitter taste. Turnips can be eaten raw, but they are most commonly cooked. When cooked, they can be mashed, roasted, or added to soups and stews.

Turnip greens are the leafy greens or tops of turnips that are often discarded. Fresh turnip greens are actually a nutritious and flavorful vegetable that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways including braised Southern style similar to most Southern greens like collard greens and mustards.

Beats and Eats (music to pair with turnip greens)

Stevie Wonder's song "All I Do" pretty much captures my relationship with greens - collard greens, mustard greens, kale greens, callaloo greens, turnip greens ...

The song pairs exceptionally well with Southern turnip greens due to its smooth, soulful rhythm and timeless charm. The mellow groove and romantic undertones of the music create a perfect backdrop for enjoying the heartiness and comforting warmth of Southern cuisine.

1. Soulful Vibes: The smooth and soulful melody of "All I Do" complements the rich and comforting flavors of Southern turnip greens, creating a harmonious experience for the senses.
2. Timeless Appeal: The timeless nature of Stevie Wonder's music resonates with the enduring tradition of Southern cuisine. Both the song and the dish evoke a sense of nostalgia and cultural significance.

Recipe Inspiration

Most black folks turnip greens recipes call for cajun or creole seasoning, plus smoked pork cooked in a big pot simmered low. I tweaked things slightly to add my take on things. I included the entire turnips (roots and tops) to make things a bit more filling.

I also added a seasoning base using pomegranate molasses. This adds somewhat of a fusion element as pomegranate molasses is mostly used in Middle Eastern cuisines vs. soul food recipes, but that's what I do!

Braised Turnip Greens Ingredients

• Turnips and their Green Tops
• Yellow Onion
• Garlic Cloves
• Smoked Paprika
• Kosher Salt
• Black Pepper
• Red pepper flakes - crushed red pepper flakes add some slight heat and is a good balance against the molasses. Don't use too much as this becomes a different dish with the increased heat.
• Chicken Stock or Chicken Broth
• Apple Cider Vinegar
• Pomegranate Molasses
• Salt Pork or ham hocks - smoked turkey pieces can be substituted.

How To Cook Turnip Greens 

In this section, we will walk you through how to make southern turnip greens step-by-step.

Mix the spices together in a small mixing bowl.

Heat oil in a large dutch oven pan or large stockpot over medium heat. Using a slotted spoon or tongs, add the salt pork and fry for a minute or so on each side to release the flavor. Remove and set aside.

Add onions and garlic then saute for a minute. Add a ? of the spice mix and cook for another 30 seconds.

Add the turnip root and saute for 1 minute.

Add stock, vinegar, and pomegranate to the pot. Mix well, bring to a boil and then reduce to a simmer. Add the fresh greens and pork to the pot plus a third of the spices.

Cover and cook the greens for 30 minutes on simmer. Remove lid and cook on high to reduce the pot liquor (3-4 minutes). Taste and adjust cooked turnip greens for seasoning.

What To Serve With Turnip Greens

Turnip greens, with their robust and slightly bitter flavor, pair well with a variety of side dishes that complement and balance their taste. Here are some delicious options to serve with turnip greens:

1. Cornbread: The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is a classic companion to turnip greens. It's perfect for soaking up the flavorful pot liquor.
2. Rice: Whether it's plain white rice or seasoned with herbs and spices, rice makes a versatile and neutral base that pairs well with the bold flavors of turnip greens.
3. Grits: Creamy, cheesy grits add a comforting element to your meal, creating a smooth contrast to the hearty greens.
4. Fried Chicken: The crispy exterior and juicy interior of fried chicken provide a delightful contrast to the tender turnip greens. It's a classic Southern combination.
5. Black-Eyed Peas: These legumes offer a mild, earthy flavor that complements the bitterness of turnip greens. They also contribute to a well-rounded, nutritious meal.
6. Smoked Ham or Pork: Whether in the form of ham hocks, smoked ham, or pork chops, the smokiness and savory notes of pork enhance the overall depth of flavor in turnip greens.
7. Macaroni and Cheese: Creamy mac and cheese add a comforting and indulgent touch to your meal, balancing the bitterness of the greens with its cheesy goodness.
8. Sweet Potatoes: Roasted or mashed sweet potatoes provide a sweet and savory contrast, adding depth to the overall flavor profile.
9. Hot Sauce: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, hot sauce or pepper vinegar can be offered as a condiment to add a spicy kick to the greens.

Maximizing Flavor In Cooking Turnip Greens

This recipe also works for mustard or collard greens if you can’t turnip greens. Most grocery stores sell turnip roots without the actual greens so you can buy them plus whatever greens are available to you.

Fresh or packaged greens are relatively easy to come by, but I rarely see frozen turnip greens.

Wash those greens well to get rid of any dirt and graininess.

Be mindful of how you chop greens. The smaller the cut, the faster the cook.

I prefer to remove the thick stems

The pork is pretty salty so no need to get crazy with the amount of salt you use.

Salt pork works great in this dish, but you can use other smoked meat options including bacon fat back, hog jowls, turkey leg, turkey tails, or ham hocks.

Many recipes call for basic white vinegar, but I prefer cider vinegar as you need a bit of sweetness to counter the bitterness of the greens and turnips.

Pomegranate molasses is in all specialty grocery stores (Whole Foods and Trader Joes), but it’s distribution is going so you can find it in many mainstream grocery stores. It's a great flavor enhancer. It makes for a great glaze to a wedge salad.

Pair these greens with other sides like black rice salad, baked beans, stewed okra, red beans, or potato salad. Fried catfish or grilled chicken thighs are great main dish options with them.

Black eyed peas recipes like instant pot black eyed peas or Southern black eyed peas also make for good pairings. Round things out with a complete Southern food menu including mac and cheese, pan of cornbread, peach cobbler. Serve with a pork chops recipe like fried pork chops or blackened pork chops.

Season your bowl of greens with tasty hot pepper sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Making This Classic Southern Side Dish

Can You Make This Pot Of Turnip Greens Vegan?

Yes indeed. Many people will replace the smoky flavor from smoked meats with liquid smoke. I actually prefer to make my own homemade vegetable stock and use it in all vegan Southern style greens recipes.

Can You Make This Recipe In A Crockpot or Slow Cooker?

Yes you can. It's not my preferred approach, but if you do make sure to brown/saute the salt pork first to release some of its flavor. Unfortunately, crockpots don't get hot enough to create this effect.

More Greens Based Recipes

Southern Collard Greens with Turkey

Quinoa Tabbouleh Salad

Southern Braised Mustard Greens

Collard Greens Slaw

Collard Greens Salad

Kale Greens Pesto

Instant Pot Collard Greens

Brisket and Collard Greens

making this recipe

As we bid farewell to the aromatic bliss of this Southern turnip greens recipe, seasoned with the soulful touch of salt pork, let the echoes of tradition linger on your palate.

Much like the lingering notes of a Stevie Wonder classic, these greens embody a timeless connection to roots and flavor. With each spoonful, you've indulged in a symphony of taste that resonates with the heartfelt warmth of home-cooked goodness.

So, in the spirit of Stevie's enduring melodies, may your culinary journey continue, filled with the soulful harmony of Southern traditions and the evergreen joy of a well-seasoned pot. Until the next culinary verse, savor the memories and let the flavors linger in your heart like a sweet refrain.

Soul food is all about comfort, love, and community. And there’s nothing more comforting than a big mess of greens cooked with love. This recipe for turnip greens is simple but so delicious, you’ll want to make it your go-to dish when you need some soulful nourishment. So fire up the stove and get cooking! We can’t wait to hear what you think of this recipe.

If you make this Southern turnip greens recipe or any other recipe please come back and leave me a comment below with your feedback. Definitely take a photo of the dish and be sure to tag #foodfidelity so that I can see them.

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